Remember when all the numbered lists (top 10, three reasons) started to make blogs tiresome? When ubiquitous @s made Twitter overwhelming to scroll? When getting friended by your boss first made Facebook awkward (long before your grandma logged on)?
Those little fault lines were true moments of user design. Examples of what happens when we the people change how we use the tools of social. These growing pains shape the next generation of what that destination will be and who will stay to use it (while others wander away).
Pinterest is at its first fault line.
Its early adopters were cooks, designers and fashionistas. They posted beautiful garments, quirky finds, mouth-watering creations. These were people who loved the look of a thing. Who embraced the idea that a picture alone could inspire.
Some are harmless, trite successories. A few are long, winding infographics. Some are recycled quotes from long-lost artists. But, far too many are didactic little blurbs, randomly assigned a font and punctuated with bangers or single-word affirmations (truth, yes, amen, or simply a :).
A few recently popular examples repinned in my stream:
At some point, Pinterest became something between a doodled notebook cover and a scrapbooking store. Or, it created a new way we share affinity - a way we can vote for the philosophy about life/gender/parenting we feel most connected to. A new kind of like-minded microblogging that celebrates visceral reactions to both images and ideas.
It's an interesting, learn-worthy trend. But, not a shift I personally love. Perhaps I am too quickly nostalgic (in fact, it's possible that I'm reminicsing typing this even now), but I miss the pictures on Pinterest ...
Super fact from our friends at Eli LIlly: You could bring a revolutionary new drug to market for the price of 371 Super Bowl ads. (Presumably you could cure yellow toenails, too)
Not quite 371 ads tonight, but there definitely seemed to be more advertising than atheletics in this game. Here's the run down:
The best:
Honda Come on, what 80s survivor did not love every moment of this Ferris Bueller knock off?? And so much the better that the grown-up Broderick starred. (Extra delight for that giant panda bear at the end). I'm pretty sure I heard the BF giggle at this one...
Hyundai I'm a big fan of Hyundai's entire sponsorship of this game. From the kick off plugs that thanked the 45,000 employees in the U.S. (that's right- that funny sounding company is peopled by Americans) to this high-energy spot. I know, I know, that theme song, right? But if there's one night you can guarantee the world is ready for a little Rocky it's tonight. I'm pretty sure you could actually get away with Queen in one of these pricey pods.
Best Buy In the months after we lost Steve Jobs, America could use a little innovation inspiration. From the range of addictive experiences these guys have created to the fun interaction with the flight attendants, this spot was as watchable as an eposide of Modern Family. (One note, though, women: we really have to start inventing more stuff. It's ridiculous how many middle-aged white dudes were in that ad)
Chrysler Lump-in-the-throat worthy storytelling from one of the greatest chroniclers of the human experience making movies today: Clint Eastwood. Damn, that was good. And, extra props for the strategic buy (message matches placement).
Hear the roar of this engine. Our second half is about to begin ...
Toyota Massages, ice cream, baby time machines ... who wouldn't love this reinvented world?? I'm not sure it makes me want a Camry, but it did make me laugh out loud.
Budweiser This spot would have won #1 ranking, but as I post this, the video is still marked as "private" on both Bud's site and YouTube. Still, a sound track that features Flo Rida's #3-peaking single "Good Feeling" and The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" all whilst spanning time and culture throughout its history ... well, it deserves a mention (if not a functioning video link)
The worst:
Kia You know when you see an ad and immediately think you know everything there is to know about the ad team that created it? Yeah, that's this one ...
Old Navy Sometimes imitation is the funniest kind of advertising. Other times ... well, it's like those dull, tone-deaf years of SNL. Just sad and kind of embarrasing for everyone. This creepy cowboys looks like he stained his Dockers and he's way more sad than funny.
Pepsi This is really just a vote for the worst mashup of the night: Aretha Franklin's signature number (sung by that X Factor chic) + the set from a horrible night at Medieval Times + some seemingly random nods to Occupy = Ad Fail (or populism as schritzophrenic as John Edward's)
I'm guessing some of you are objecting to this review on footwear alone ... if there's one girl who should respect Elton John in those heels, it's this one. But, still ... great shoes can't solve everything.
Audi Vampires. Probably enough said right there. That's a lot of money to be spending on a declining pop culture artifact ... but then again, it is Audi. So, perhaps cleverly on brand after all.
Doritos: Putting an obnoxious, taunting preteen on television is as discordant, annoying and generally inhumane as using police sirens in radio ads or beep-beep-beeping alarms clocks, well, anywhere.
Special mentions and best-of awards:
Here's a little love for a few of the niche favorites:
Best mashup: Chevy + Twinkies + Barry Manilow + Biblical Frogs. That's some truck commercial for Silverado.
Best mashup (runner up): Great dog + Biggest-Loser-style makeover story + Star Wars + VW. I'm thinking George Lucas might have just gone ahead and bought VW at some point.
Most improved: Can you believe how fantastic the Coke bears look these days? I think they were line drawings when they first scooted on screen.
Best channeling of the middle school experience:Ew, seriously, gross. But this Geico spot was pretty cool.
Sexiest: Sorry guys, not that Victoria Secret model come Teleflora sleeze. I'm blushing for Beckham. Nicely done, H&M
Best pet: Certainly the toughest category. This used to be the night of those Budweiser ponies, but this year it's all man's best friend(s). My fave? The moonwalking french bull dog pimping Sketchers.
Bizarre things I don't understand and won't even type about any more:
GoDaddy spots
eTrade talking babies
Another reason to fear Fiat will never really come back: Yeah, just watch it.
The BF's favorite (he did put up with my typing all through the second half): That guy loves a single Seinfeld reference. Imagine how happy he was with, like, seventeen + a Soup Nazi cameo and squirrel wings?? Yeah, easy win with this one ... (P.S. strong preference for the non-alien version)
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